The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-09-29
LILLIAN NORRIS EL0PES.
SHE RUNS AWAY WITH HER COL
ORED MUSICAL INSTRUCTOR.


Despised, and Whom Her Father In
sisted She Should Wed.
From the Ne,0 York Sun.
HAMMoNsvILLE, PA, Sept 26.-Lilliar
Morris. the pretty and accomplished
daughter of Sanford Morris, eloped last
night with Ralph Williams, colored pro
fessor of music, from whom she has been
receiving Instructions during the past week
or ten days. The young lady was in a most
cheerful mood all day Sunday, and as usua!
entertained Mr.. Wilson Norris, the gentle
man to whom she was engaged, in the
evening. He babe her good night at III
o'clock, and she Immediately retired to her
room The first intimation her parents had of
what happened thereafter was communi-
Gated by Jennie Wagner, who had always
been constant companion and bosom
friend of Lillan's, and to whom she CON
fided most of her secrets. Miss Wagner
lives short distance from the Morris family,
and arose at about 6 o'clock this morning
Upon coming down stairs she beheld an I'M
sealed letter addressed to herself lying near
the door, under which it had evidently been
slipped, TREMENDOUSLY she picked it up and
read as follows:
DEAR JENNIE: The receipt of this note may
surprise you, but ii need not You know what
an unhappy girl have been for the past year,
and though you thought lightly of it, told you
would do something desperate rather than
marry Wilson Norris. have nothing but alb
horrence for him, and if he had one principle of
honor, or one feeling of humanity, he would
cease 30 torment me by his unwecome visits
Papa insists that shall marry him, and now
reiterate what have always said-I shall not.
He called at the house last night and remained
until 10 O'Clock. He said my father was anxious
doubt is true, dear Jennie; as all my plans have
been arran ged beyond any possible interference
TO go away with Ralph Williams. tried to APP
pear more agreeable than heretofore, Knowing
this was my last night here | promised to name
a day, this night week; but for Norris, so far as
am concerned, that night will never come, and
if he is disappointed, he cannot
charge me with deception, because as
YOU know, | always opposed his visits
/ have not breathed word 10 any one about
nav going away. You will know it first, and it
matters little to me what the people may say;
but as friend, always dear to me, desire that
you go direct to our house and inform my
father that he alone must answer for my con-
duct. Give him this letter to read A further
explanation will be unnecessary. Lose no time,
dear Jennie, in apprising them of my departure.
have written this letter so that i'll the event of
my father trying TO shield himself in the matter,
yourself and others of my friends, who know
the circumstances which drove me away, can
say word in my behalf. You can also tell my
father, if he has not already missed his horse
D.
where we will leave it for safe keeping until he
calls for it, 1t of course assisted us In leaving town
but it is in safe hands and all will be all right.
Now, dear Jennie, there is little time to say any
more and as much as would love to tell You
where go | cannot just now, though you may
hear from me soon. With much love to yourself,
Clara and the other girls, will bid you an affec-
tionate farewell, and don't think hard of me.
Necessity alone drove me to this. Lovingly
yours ILL.
Miss Wagner, almost Mortified at the con-
tents of the letter, hurried to obey the COM
mands of her friends and ten minutes later
awoke the Morris family, who were not in
the habit of arising until some time later
When Mr. Morris heard the news he said
that it was impossible, as Lilly had retired
soon after 10 o'clock, and that she was still
in her room. The two however, started
for the girls room, and upon entering found
the bed undisturbed and the window, from
which dangled a rope, still raised. The
rope was looped and SO arranged as to guar
antee perfect safety to any one who desired
to leave the building. Mr.. Morris stood
amazed and simply said: ''What foolish
girl! The disgrace of clipping with colered
man is worse than even death itselfn
Miss Wagner returned home, and before
z O'Clock the entire populace was aware of
the elopement. The Morris homestead
was soon besieged by the neighbors to hear
the details Meanwhile Norris, her lover,
put in an appearance, and threats of lynch
ing Williams were freely INDUCED in should
he be overtaken. Norris and few friends
determined to follow them up and, if posi-
bic, capture Williams and forthwith star I'D
in hot pursuit after the runaways Nothing,
however, has been heard from them except
a telegram from Norris at Exeter, which
simply said mo trace yet"
Williams advent to the place dates back
some six or eight months, during which
time he lived at the Vulcan House, where
he became prominent and entertaining
figure because of his musical abilities He
was an accomplished musician, and his
character, as far as known during his stay
here, is aid to have been irreproachable
He was overTun with pupils for instruction
on the piano, and frequently was employed
to play for social gatherings and parties.
His singing, also, was of a high order, and
commanded the admiration of everyone
who heard him. He is about 50 Years
of age, and would readily pass for a
white man. His curly hair was of a glossy
hue, while his fine teeth contributed much
20 the attraction Of his wel-formed features.
in his dress he was the perfection of good
taste, and made a favorable impression
wherever he went. Altogether he was an
interesting and positively fascinating man.
His original home or birthplace is not
Fpnwn, but it is said that prior to his
coming here he served as head waiter in
ecme of the leading hotels in the West, and
at one time was in charge of dining-room
car on one of the Western railroads, Two
weeks ago Mr.. Morris engaged him to give
instructions to his daughter in playing
certain difficult pieces, and much of his
time was spent in her company. 1t is sup
posed by those who We're on intimate terms
with the girl that she took Williams into
her confidence, and told him of her trouble
in regard to her father forcing her TO marry
man whom she despised. 1t is further
stated that Williams was frequently heard
making complimentary remarks on the
beauty of Lillian Morris, and that his solu-
tion Of her trouble was a proposition to
elope with him
Much sympathy is expressed for the love
ly but unfortunate girl, while her father is
severely criticised for his persistence in
matter where the girls happiness was in
volved. The feeling, however, is bitter
against Williams, and if he is caught and
brought back here trouble may follow
Miss Morris was just % years OF age, and
one of the most popular young ladies in this
vicinity. What time during Sunday night
the runaway couple left, or where they went
to, no one knows. Mr. Morris. as stated in
the letter, found his horse and carriage at
Thornbrooks. Williams was at his hotel
during Sunday evening, but was not seen
after 8 o'clock.
Young Mrs. Gould's Early Struggles.
From the Boston Traveller.
When Edith Kingdom lnONy Mrs Gaorgo